Best Authentic Restaurants in Cole Valley

185 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bambino's Ristorante restaurant

1. Bambino's Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(560)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Cole Valley

Booked 2 times today

In a warm, open and attentive setting, Bambino’s Ristorante offers a tasteful and varied mix of classic Italian and original fare. We serve Dinner, Lunch and Weekend Brunch. Reserve or drop in for anything from a snack to a celebration.

2. Elena's

4.7

Exceptional(425)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal

Booked 88 times today

Welcome to Elena's -- a place where a family’s love for authentic Mexican food is celebrated and combined with California-inspired elements and signature Mexican-American dishes. We offer reservations for up to 8 guests via OpenTable. At the time of your reservation, we kindly request the entire party be present to be seated. Tables will be held for up to 10 minutes after the reservation time. For parties that arrive later, the table will be released but we will do our best to accommodate the reservation with the next available table. Reservation requests via phone or email are not available at this time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!

A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant

3. Che Fico San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(1853)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 64 times today

Che Fico, is a California Italian restaurant from Chefs David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer in San Francisco's NOPA neighborhood. The food focuses on Italian cuisine through the lens of California. It’s our vision of Northern California as if it is a region in Italy, our connection to the region, and our love for Italian culinary practices. The rustic, market-driven menu features handmade pasta, pizzas, antipasti, housemade salumi, meat, and fish plus dishes from the Jewish-Roman heritage known as “Cucina Ebraica.” The beverage program focuses heavily on both Italian and Californian wines with a cocktail program that utilizes a variety of spirits, amaros, and seasonal ingredients. Che Fico is a place to gather with friends and enjoy warm hospitality, food, and drink, through an approachable menu and convivial ambiance.

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

4. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.9

Exceptional(9091)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 159 times today

Kokkari (pronounced “Ko-Kar-ee”) is a small fishing village located on the islands of Samos in the Aegean Sea, whose name is derived from the small onions that were once produced in the nearby fields. Its fertile soil and Mediterranean climate translated into an abundance of fresh produce as well as treasured seafood and game. Legend tells that Kokkari is the site where Orion, a mighty hunter and a young man of gigantic stature and great beauty, fell in love with the daughter of the king of Chios. For the love of her, Orion forged the island for wild game and seafood to prepare elaborate banquets in celebration of their love. Today, we hope you will enjoy your own celebration as you dine at Kokkari Estiatorio on food “fit for the Gods” prepared with an Aegean palate and the style of innovative California fare.

5. Zuni Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(7819)

Price: Expensive

• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 91 times today

DINNER:Tuesday - Sunday5:00 pm – 9:30 pmLUNCH:Friday, Saturday, Sunday11:00 am – 4:00 pmWe are closed on MondaysRESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.

6. Trestle

4.8

Exceptional(2747)

Price: Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 37 times today

Hi Neighbor!At Trestle, we remember a time, not too long ago, where people took pause to enjoy a meal in the presence of great company, giving it the reverence and respect deserved. We provide a dining experience served in courses, with the satisfaction and warmth found at a family gathering, creating the foundation to a proper meal. Every day we feature a changing 3 course prix fixe menu with choices on each course for $45/person. We will have an optional additional pasta course for $12/person. Unfortunately, we do not offer ala-carte options.We are able to accommodate vegetarian options nightly. We do our best to accommodate other allergies/restrictions based on the menu for that evening. Due to our limited spacing, we can accommodate parties of 8 or less only.

7. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7774)

Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 134 times today

Wayfare Tavern is a true American tavern in the heart of San Francisco, offering an authentic dining experience. Its menu, crafted by Chef Tyler Florence, features traditional American dishes and a selection of locally sourced wines. The restaurant's design, inspired by Victorian-era parlor and an Edwardian men's club, adds to its authenticity. Reviewers frequently mention the restaurant's 'well-executed' food, 'comfortable' ambience, and 'seamless' service. One reviewer even noted the vibe of the restaurant as 'classic'.

8. The Parthenon

4.6

Exceptional(46)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 23 times today

Welcome to The Parthenon, your gateway to the authentic flavors of Greece nestled in the heart of San Francisco. As a Mediterranean Wine Bar and Mezes, we offer a rich tapestry of Greek culinary delights that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed Greek islands.Our menu is a celebration of traditional Greek cuisine, with a contemporary twist.Pair your meal with a selection from our Mediterranean Wine Bar, and don't forget to save room for our delectable sides, including Greek Fries and Garlic Fries.

A photo of Delfina Restaurant restaurant

9. Delfina Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(949)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission District

Booked 37 times today

Delfina is a bustling, James Beard Award-winning neighborhood trattoria in San Francisco’s Mission District. Owned by Anne and Craig Stoll.

10. Altamirano

4.8

Exceptional(61)

Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 20 times today

NOW OPEN! Altamirano Restaurant & Bar is a new Peruvian restaurant, conveniently located in the NOPA neighborhood of San Francisco. Open the door to a spacious bar that flows seamlessly into the luxe dining room, with the exhibition kitchen in full view. Meander outside to the dynamic outdoor dining courtyard, featuring a fire pit, ample seating, a bar, and a TV to watch your favorite sports teams. Led by a team of culinary and hospitality professionals, service is comfortable yet elevated. Overseen by Chef Carlos Altamirano and led by Chef Eric Chumacero, the menu is a modern take on the flavors of Peru. Bold tastes and unique preparations will delight your senses and pop on your palette. Drinks highlight traditional Peruvian ingredients but with a contemporary twist. We can't wait to welcome you soon!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Laura
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Fantastic experience and great food! Ben at the bar was the best!
More info
Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.9
D
Dori
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Food is so good!!! We shared the beet salad, a margherita pizza, the butternut squash raviolis and the gnocchi. I am bot generally a fan of gnocchi but these were pure heaven! Okenty of ootions for our vegetarian party of 4. Drinks and dessert werre a smash hit too!
More info
Che Fico San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
•
4.7
R
Ronaldvip
San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
I have eaten many meals at Zuni over decades and the quality has been amazingly consistent over that time. It’s often just what I want to eat. I had a baguette steak that reminded me of France in the 1970s. The prices have definitely increased. It’s not out of line with similar places, but it used to seem cheaper than other places of equivalent quality. No longer. It’s every bit as expensive as other fine dining places if more relaxed than some.
More info
Zuni CafePrice: Expensive• Modern European• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.7
A
Alson
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Upscale Mexican food in the sunset district. Authentic taste and flavors but spice level is scaled down for clientele. Nothing very spicy. Still, food was tasty! Good ambience, excellent service. Clean throughout. This is definitely not the mission district experience, if that’s what you’re looking for. But very good authentic food in a clean, upscale pleasant environment. Not a taqueria!
More info
Elena'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Forest Hill / West Portal
•
4.7
J
JC
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 2, 2024
Authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Cole Valley. Hard to find this level of quality and service at reasonable prices these days.
More info
Bambino's RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Cole Valley
•
4.7

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Cole Valley

Best Authentic Restaurants in Cole Valley

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185 restaurants available nearby

1. Bambino's Ristorante

2. Elena's

3. Che Fico San Francisco

4. Kokkari Estiatorio

5. Zuni Cafe

6. Trestle

7. Wayfare Tavern

8. The Parthenon

9. Delfina Restaurant

10. Altamirano

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable